Why SOFC Ceramic Fuel Cell Generator Systems?
Ceramic fuel cells can run at high heat, and are fuel-flexible. They are able to reach efficiencies almost double that of proton exchange membranes (PEMs), and are not poisoned by carbon monoxide. And they have several other advantages. • Due to their high operating temperatures, cogeneration cycles can be effectively employed, with the resulting efficiencies of these cogeneration power plants approaching 90%. • SOFC cell elements are constructed from ceramic materials. The raw ingredients for these ceramics are relatively inexpensive. • Given the high operating temperatures of SOFCs, the need for expensive precious metal catalysts is negligible. • SOFCs can operate on hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and biofuels with minimal fuel processing. Hydrogen-rich gases containing carbon monoxide do not need to undergo additional “gas clean-up” steps.
